7 Ups & 2 Downs From Last Night's WWE SmackDown (July 31)

Downs...

2. Good Storytelling, Subpar Work

Lana Zelina Vega
WWE.com

Booking this match was a smart way to build on both Andrade Almas' victory over Rusev last week and the ongoing tension between 'The Bulgarian Brute' and his allies. Lana's challenge was believable, as it was her ringside argument with Vega that spurred said defeat, and it was another notch in the win column for the ex-NXT double-act, but this isn't enough to transcend six stodgy minutes of subpar work.

They started with some basic trash talk and evasion, then worked through several slow control periods, passing the momentum back and forth. Technically sound, but unengaging. Big moves eventually came, with Vega borrowing liberally from Almas' signatures, and 'Cien' inserted himself soon after a Lana near-fall, prompting Aiden English' arrival, and another distraction loss for the ailing Rusev Day faction.

The right outcome, the right story, but tiresome action. Though it wasn't terrible, it was some distance below the working standard we should expect from any major wrestling promotion in 2018.

Advertisement
Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.